PawSox: Family and wallet-friendly alternative to Fenway

Thursday

May 28, 2009 at 12:01 AMMay 28, 2009 at 4:54 AM

Just over the Massachusetts border in Pawtucket, R.I., the Pawtucket Red Sox have long been a reasonably priced and fun night out for families. Families say they are wooed by free – or next-to-nothing parking, picnic areas, cheaper concessions and a casual atmosphere that’s ideal for children.

JAY N. MILLER

Plymouth’s John Sjostedt has had more fun at Pawtucket Red Sox games at McCoy Stadium than he’s had at Fenway Park. And that’s not just because he recently took home a bunch of prizes for winning the in-game trivia contest.

“For affordability this place is tops,” said Sjostedt, a Duxbury firefighter who attends opening day every year. “The Red Sox are certainly doing well, but they’ve become more commercialized, and much more expensive ... Down here at Pawtucket, you can take your family and really spend no more than $50.”

Just over the Massachusetts border in Pawtucket, R.I., the Pawtucket Red Sox have long been a reasonably priced and fun night out for families.

The PawSox, the International League’s AAA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, average about 9,000 spectators per game, and judging by the license plates in the parking areas, most are from Massachusetts.

Families say they are wooed by free – or next-to-nothing parking, picnic areas, cheaper concessions and a casual atmosphere that’s ideal for children.

“Pawtucket is an awesome experience for baseball fans,” said Scott Wilkins, who, along with wife Lisa and three children, enjoyed a free Family Fun Fest after a recent game. “I have a family of five, and we can all go to a game for $30. It’s only 50 minutes away, so we come down here a lot.”

Wilkins, of Carver, who has a daughter and twin boys, said they attend a few games a year.

“The PawSox usually do a lot of different promotions through the year, and we’ll all sit down when we get the schedule and pick out some of those dates. Any kind of free stuff, like hats or bats, goes over big with the kids so we’ll be here,” Wilkins said.

Aside from affordability, the Wilkins family also takes advantage of the club’s free clinics and other events, where the kids can interact with the players.

“Especially with my boys, we have done a few of the sports clinics, where they can get right out on the field with the players and coaches,” said Wilkins. “Those are all free. It’s a good deal and you can’t go wrong. Today they are letting the kids run the bases after the game, and that’s a big deal for them.”

The best seats at McCoy Stadium remain $10, and most seats in the 10,500-seat stadium can be had for $6. Six bucks won’t even get you a beer at Fenway. A family of four would pay $326.45 for a day at Fenway Park, according to the 2009 Fan Cost Index; $410.88 at the new Yankee Stadium.

For a lot of the fans, the big draw is the chance to see future baseball stars before they hit the big time. At this game against Buffalo, for example, pitching phenom Michael Bowden, tossed eight scoreless innings and is soon destined for Boston.

“I try to make as many games as I can because it is fun to see guys on the way up, the young guys who are Boston’s future,” Sjostedt said. “I’ve seen Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia, Jon Lester, Jacoby Ellsbury come through here, and it makes it special to see them make it in Boston – you feel connected.”

Sjostedt’s father began taking him to Pawtucket early on, and his baseball history feels more attached to the PawSox.

“I remember coming here to McCoy Stadium as a kid,” Sjostedt said. “And I definitely have more good baseball memories here.”

The Wilkins crew was a bit disappointed that Sunday, since they had anticipated a Kevin Youkilis at-bat or two, but the first baseman’s rehab had been delayed to the next day. But seeing real or former Major Leaguers is part of the kick for the youngsters – and their folks.

“There’s a lot of factors that make this a great deal,” noted Wilkins. “Seeing guys so close to the big leagues is definitely one of the best. We were excited today because we thought Youkilis would be here. He wasn’t, but we saw Javier Lopez, who was just sent down, pitch in relief. And the other team (Buffalo) had Wily Mo Pena, a former Red Sox, in their lineup. We have had a chance to see a couple guys down here on rehab over the years, and that’s always cool – a chance to see them up close and right in front of you. We love coming here.”

Weymouth resident John Sutcliffe has been driving to McCoy for the past 11 years to man the giant scoreboard.

“People may think there’s more prestige at Fenway, but this is a great alternative for fans in our area,” Sutcliffe said. “It’s easy to get to, and they make sure to always be fan-friendly.”

Plymouth’s Sjostedt agrees.

“You can’t beat the PawSox for great baseball, easy access, and a very affordable night all the way around,” he said.

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